(FM14) Drink up thee cider!!!

Bristol City best 11 season 2014/2015



Fans player of the year award

Winner - Mario Buitrago



It was a very successful introduction to the English game for 20 year old Mario Buitrago. He was signed by manager Andrew Booy in the summer of 2014 for a club record fee of 5 million pounds from Argentinian side Lanus. He started 50 games for the Robins in his debut season and finished off the campaign with 32 goals and 14 assists. His average rating for the season was 7.22. Towards the end of the campaign manager Booy also made him the Club captain which is a fantastic privilege especially for someone so young. The forward also won his 1st cap for Colombia coming off the bench in the friendly draw with Romania in March.

Managers player of the year award

Winner - Fausto Rossi



Manager Andrew Booy admitted that he could have easily given this award to Buitrago but he felt that central midfielder Fausto Rossi deserved recognition for a campaign in which he was the highest rated Bristol City player with an OPTA average match rating of 7.28 for the season. The Italian was signed for free in the summer from Juventus and was an ever present all season. He contributed 9 goals and 10 assists in a campaign in which he was consistently one of Bristol City's best players.

Kasper Kusk
11 million to Wolfburg

The young Danish midfielder who was a regular on the right wing for Andrew Booy last season only joined last summer for 525k from Danish side AaB. So when Wolfsburg were looking to replace Kevin De Bruyne (joined PSG for 32 million) and offered City a record outgoing transfer fee of 11 million it was simply too good to turn down.



Matej Vydra
7.75 million to Cardiff City

Vydra had established himself in the Bristol City starting 11 towards the end of the last season and finished the season with an impressive 22 goals from only 29 starts. Andrew Booy thought however that perhaps he was not good enough to play at a Premiership level so reluctantly sold him to local Premier Division rivals Cardiff City. Lets hope he doesn't haunt manager Andrew Booy in the upcoming West Country derbies this season.



Franco Zuculini
7.5 million to Leeds United

The competitive Argentine midfielder was primarily used from the substitutes bench by Andrew Booy in the Championship so a massive offer of 7.5 million from Premiership rivals Leeds was quickly accepted.



Fausto Rossi
7.25 million to Inter Milan

This was perhaps the most difficult departure for Andrew Booy to stomach this summer as the Managers Player of the Year last season was sold to Serie A side Inter. He was the top average rated player for Bristol City last season (7.28 average), however as he would be a backup player this campaign Bristol City decided to cash in on the Italian playmaker.



Martin Olsson
6.25 million to PSV

Olsson was the regular left back for Andrew Booy last season but after he failed to improve in training like to other City players the City hierarchy believed it was best to profit on the popular Swede.



Stefan Strandberg
4.6 million to Southampton

The former City captain has been at the club for two seasons now (a lot under manager Andrew Booy!) but only managed 17 starts last season. Therefore when fellow FA Cup semi finalists Southampton tabled an offer of 4.6 million City duly accepted.



Maikel Kieftenbeld
4.2 million to Newcastle United

The ever-present right back for City last season was reluctantly sold to Newcastle when Andrew Booy considered that he would be a backup this season so the offer was too good to turn down.



Benoit Costil
4.1 million to Olympique Lyonnais

The City number one was probably going to lose his place in the starting 11 this season to a new marquee signing (news to follow.....) so didn't want to serve the campaign as a backup player so returned to his native France.



Maxim Choupo-Moting
4.1 million to Club Brugge

Probably one of the most unsuccessful signings by manager Andrew Booy to African striker only scored 6 goals in his only season at City so an offer of 4.1 million from Belgium side Club Brugge was music to the City managers ears.



Other Notable Departures

Armand Traore 1.4 million to Stade Malherbe Caen
Jack Colback 250k to Q.P.R.
Adam El-Abd 2.9 million to Al-Ittihad (KSA)
Ross Harrison 675k to Leeds
David Faupala released
Karleigh Osborne 500k to Bournemouth
Bobby Reid 1 million to Rangers
Aden Flint 60k to Bradford

Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Free Transfer from Gladbach



ter Stegen is a 23 year old German goalkeeper who signs on a Bosman free transfer from German 1st division side Borussia Monchengladbach. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the game and joined City on a 4 year 44k per week contract. Last season he won the German Players Goalkeeper of the Year award for his performances in which he only conceded 38 goals for a team which finished 15th in the German 1st Division.



Agustin Allione
1.5 million from Velez Sarsfield



Allione is a Argentina U20 international right winger who joins from Argentinian Premier Division side Velez for 1.5 million and an additional clause of 100k after 50 league appearances. He has massive potential but will already be a 1st team regular in place of the departed Kasper Kusk. City fought off competition from Real Madrid for the 20 year old's signature as the youngster was more attracted to guaranteed 1st team football at Ashton Gate.



Danny Welbeck
3.7 million from Manchester United



Welbeck is a 24 year old England international striker who joins for an initial 3.7 million from Man Utd. The fee will rise to 4.5 million once league appearance clauses have been met. Welbeck is a marque signing for manager Andrew Booy in his debut season in the Premier League. He found himself out of favour at Old Trafford under new manager Marcelo Bielsa making only 11 first team appearances in the last two seasons, which perhaps explains his low price tag. He is a proven player at international level with 31 caps for England and 11 goals.



Lucas Ocampos
6 million from AS Monaco FC



Ocampos is a 21 year old left winger who becomes Bristol City's record transfer signing for the fee of 6 million pounds from Monaco. The young Argentinian joined Monaco in 2012 for 9 million pounds but after a successful 1st season in France never established himself as a regular starter. He is seen primarily as rotation for Tom Ince on the left wing but if a progresses as promised could eventually become a 1st team regular at Ashton Gate.



Stefan De Vrij
2.6 million from Feyenoord



23 year old Dutch international defender De Vrij joins from Eredivisie side Feyenoord for 2.6 million. He has been a regular starter for them for the past 5 seasons, the last 3 of which they have finished 3rd in the league. He is seen as a replacement for departed Kieftenbeld but can also play in central defence if required. City will have to pay 350k once the Dutchman plays 50 games for the Robins.



Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik
Free Transfer from Stade Rennais FC



Cameroon international Kana-Biyik signed a pre contract agreement with City in January to join the club when his contract expired with French side Stade Rennais. He signs on a 3 year 15k per week contract and will partner Stefano Denswil in central defence in a new look Bristol City back four.



Guido Pizarro
from Free Transfer



25 year old Argentinian central midfielder Pizarro joins on a free transfer after his contract expired with Mexican side Tigres in the summer. He will act as a foil for Lucas Evangelista in the centre of the park for City this season, shielding the back four as the Brazilian has more licence to support attacks.



Rodrigo Gomez
1.5 million from Argentinos Juniors



Gomez is a 22 year old right or central midfielder who joins from Argentinos who play in Argentina. He has won the Supporters Player of the year for the Juniors for the past two seasons. He is the 4th Argentinian to join Bristol City this summer and manager Andrew Booy hopes that all four players will help each other settle into their new surroundings. He will act as cover for the midfield but will look to steal a starting position as a box to box central midfielder if he impresses.



Julian Green
Season Loan from FC Bayern Munchen



Green is a young striker/left winger who joins for a season long loan from German Champions FC Bayern. City will pay only 1,300 per week wages for the duration of the loan. He is brought in primarily to cover the first choice strike partnership of Buitrago and Welbeck.



Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Season Loan from FC Bayern Munchen



The 20 year old Hojbjerg has also been brought in on loan from FC Bayern for the season. The Danish U21 international will provide a rotation option in central midfield with Lucas Evangelista, Pizarro and Rodrigo Gomez.



Bogdan Butko
Season Loan from Shakhtar Donetsk



Ukrainian international Butko joins on loan from Ukrainian side Shakhtar after he failed to break into their 1st team (he has been out on loan every season since 2010). He will provide cover for De Vrij at right back if needed.



Martin Kaspar
1.2 million from Sparta Prague



16 year old Kasper has been bought with one eye to the future. It is unlikely he will compete for the 1st team for a number of years but he is seen as one of the brightest right backs in the game by many top managers and clubs.



Ricardo Gomez
Free from Penerol



The 17 year old right/left winger is seen primarily as a prospect for the future. Will probably go out on loan once Andrew Booy finds a suitable club to take him.

Transfer Summary Summer 2015/2016



Financial Summary Summer 2015/2016

The results are below:



vs Dortmund II (H) 4-0
6 new signings in the starting 11. Booy continued with the 4-4-2 attacking formation that worked so well last two seasons. Goals from Buitrago (2), Allione and an own goal saw City comprehensively beat a Borussia Dortmund 2nd Team.

vs FC Bayern II (H) 8-0
Three changes to starting 11 as Colback, Rodrigo Gomez and Rossi came in for match fitness. Highlight of the match was 5 goals and a perfect 10 rating from MOTM Buitrago.

vs Clevedon (H) 8-0
One change as Kieftenbeld came in for Kana-Biyik. Local minnows Clevedon no match for Premiership side Bristol City in comprehensive win. Guido Pizarro pulled hamstring and will miss the rest of pre season.

vs Cardiff (H) 2-2
Booy made many changes as strongest possible 11 were picked for toughest match of pre season. Twice took the lead through goals from Welbeck and Lucas Evangelista but twice pegged back. Dominated match and unlucky to draw.

vs AA Gent (H) 2-0
Same side that outplayed Cardiff. Dominated game again as MOTM Welbeck got both goals with match rating of 8.80. Alvarez Balanta was on bench after spending pre season with Colombia national team with whom he won the Copa America! Congratulations Eder!!!

Premiership preview 2015/16



Bristol City have odds of 80/1 to win the English Premier Division this season meaning the bookies predict them to finish around 10th this season based on these odds. Andrew Booy was surprised by this media prediction but was on record to say 'the fact we have been predicted to finish the season in the top 10 shows the leaps and bounds this club has gone through in the past two seasons.'

The biggest transfer news of the summer came from the Etihad Stadium as Man City sold Sergio Aguero to Real Madrid for a whopping 62 million pounds. They used this money and the 23 million they received from Dortmund for Matija Nastasic to fund big money moves for Lucas Romero, Hatem Ben Arfa and Dani Carvajal.


The Squad 2015/2016........

GK

Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Easily the best player in City squad and one of the top GKs in the game. At 23 years old should be a regular for City for years to come.

Gerry Taylor
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Backup for ter Stegen. England U18 keeper who has same potential as ter Stegen. Hopefully can learn from tutoring from German and take his place in years to come.

DL

Eder Alvarez Balanta
Current Ability

Potential Ability

2nd best player in squad after ted Stegen. Colombian international who's best position is CB but will be asked to play LB at start of season. Has potential of at CB so will hopefully play there eventually.

Marc Wilson
Current Ability

Potential Ability

City vice captain who will provide backup for all defensive positions and CM if required. Baring injuries shouldn't play much this season.

DR

Stefan De Vrij
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Will be 1st choice RB for City this season. Much more comfortable at CB but needed to play RB as lack of options in this position.

Bogdan Butko
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Backup for De Vrij at RB. Loanee can also cover MR if required.

Martin Kaspar
Current Ability

Potential Ability

16 year old who has potential to be best RB in the game. Watch this space.......

DC

Stefano Denswil
Current Ability

Potential Ability

2nd best defender at club after Alvarez Balanta. Has potential to develop strong partnership with Colombian at CB for years to come once LB is found.

Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Will start season as 1st choice partner to Denswil but could be replaced in January or at end of season.

ML

Tom Ince
Current Ability

Potential Ability

England U21 international who will keep his place as 1st choice left winger after good performances and progress last season.

Lucas Ocampos
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Backup to Ince but has potential to grow significantly. Will hope to replace him as soon as possible.

Alvaro
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Has potential to be best left winger in game. Will play out on loan at Spanish side Espanyol this season.

MR

Agustin Allione
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Best midfielder in City squad with potential to be great right winger for years to come.

Ricardo Gomez
Current Ability

Potential Ability

17 year old who has potential but will hopefully go out on loan this season.

CM

Lucas Evangelista
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Advanced playmaker who has potential to be great player. Will run at opponents and be key to many City attacks this season.

Guido Pizarro
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Deep lying playmaker who will partner Lucas Evangelista to start season.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Another deep lying playmaker who has potential to displace Pizarro in starting 11 due to young age and more potential.

Rodrigo Gomez
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Box to box CM who can also play RM. Will provide cover in both positions but will hopefully improve and battle for 1st team place.

FC

Mario Buitrago
Current Ability

Potential Ability

City top scorer last season and captain. One of best players in squad and young with loads of potential.

Danny Welbeck
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Striker who will play as Buitrago's partner in False Nine role. Has potential to prove himself after disappointing career at Man Utd.

Julian Green
Current Ability

Potential Ability

Youngster who will be backup to Buitrago and Welbeck. Can also cover LM if required.

Austin Ansell
Current Ability

Potential Ability

17 year old who has loads of potential. In summer was joint Euro U19 Championship Golden Boot winner.

City Backroom team 2015/2016

Staff in/out







Bristol City 1st team squad training summary

Bristol City vs Man City - 17th August 2015
0-0



Manager's review
Andrew Booy had only one absentee from the squad as Lucas Evangelista was still suspended for one match following his sending off towards the end of last season. The two teams lined up as follows:

Manchester City had a disappointing league season last year and finished outside the Champions League spots in 6th place resulting in Roberto Mancini replacing Manuel Pellegrini in February. City also lost Sergio Aguero to Real Madrid in the summer so it wasn't good news for the Citizens when Diego Costa was injured in the 12th minute. In truth Bristol City were not overawed by their opponents and were happy to come away from the game with a clean sheet and a point however statistically in terms of shots and possession they controlled the game. If it wasn't for MOTM Joe Hart (match rating 8.50) in the Man City goal the Robins would have won this game. Next up for City in 5 days time is a trip to Capital One cup winners and Champions Arsenal.....

Arsenal vs Bristol City - 22nd August 2015
1-3
Pizarro 57 mins
Welbeck 86 mins



Manager's review
Bristol City went to the Emirates in confident mood after a point on their 1st game in the Premiership against Man City five days ago. In team news Timo Werner was injured in training so didn't make the squad for Arsenal and Lucas Evangelista was back from suspension and on the bench for City who named an unchanged starting 11:



City started strongly and didn't look out of place against the team that have won the title for the past two seasons and went in at half time 0-0. The game changed when City midfielder Guido Pizarro picked up an injury in the 57th minute. At the same time Arsene Wenger brought on MOTM Theo Walcott who changed the game with 2 goals giving the Gunners a 3-0 lead in the space of 11 minutes (Santon also scored). Danny Welbeck combined with Buitrago in the last 5 minutes of the game to get his 1st goal for the club but it was merely a consolation.

Yeovil vs Bristol City - 25th August 2015
1-2
Rodrigo Gomez 76 mins



Manager's review
There was one change to the Bristol City side as Lucas Evangelista got his 1st start of the season in place of tired Guido Pizarro. Ex City player Jack Batten started in central defence for the Glovers. The two teams lined up as follows:

Perhaps the City players went into this game overconfident because they put in a horror show against League One local rivals Yeovil. A lapse in concentration at the back from the poor Alvarez Balanta gifted MOTM Jacques Maghoma the chance to open the scores in the 1st half. City huffed and puffed but couldn't break down a resilient Yeovil. In the 74th minute manager Booy made a double change and one of the subs Rodrigo Gomez scored a peach with his first touch. However when City thought they would go onto win the game Yeovil caught them on the counter with Maghoma scoring again and sealed a surprise win against their Premiership opponents.

Bristol City vs Hull - 29th August 2015
3-0
Buitrago 9.3 rating
Lucas Evangelista 29 mins
Buitrago 36, 68 mins
Welbeck 84 mins
Kana-Biyik 85 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy made only one change to the side that lost embarrassingly at Yeovil in the Capital One cup, Rodrigo Gomez earned a start after his brief goal scoring substitute appearance. For Hull manager Steve Bruce had one noticeable absentee as Tom Huddlestone had not recovered from his twisted ankle in time. The two teams lined up as follows:

The game started sourly as Hull's Nikica Jelavic landed awkwardly and had to go off after only 4 minutes. Bristol City then picked up an injury for themselves as Shane Long collided with Lucas Evangelista. The Brazilian had to come off for Guido Pizarro and the Bristol City player was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken cheekbone which will keep him out for a month. Booy's team did not let it effect them and dominated the game, Mario Buitrago scored twice after good work on both wings from Allione and Ince. The MOTM then turned provider in the final 5 minutes setting up strike partner Welbeck for a tap-in. Then came the only moment of controversy as Kana-Biyik was sent off for a professional foul on the edge of the area. Booy was shocked by the decision and immediately went on record to say he would appeal to the FA, an appeal which would be successful meaning the centre back would be available for City's next game away to Q.P.R. after the international break.

August 2015 - THE REVIEW

Fixtures

CITY vs Man City - 17th August 2015 0-0
Arsenal vs CITY - 22nd August 2015 1-3
Yeovil vs CITY - 25th August 2015 1-2 Capital One Cup 2nd Round
CITY vs Hull - 29th August 2015 3-0



Monthly Awards

Best Player - Agustin Allione - average rating 7.34

The Argentinian right winger has settled at Ashton Gate immediately and was 3rd place in the Premiership young player of the month award. He was consistently strong this month and in pre season and has an average rating of 7.25.

Highly commended
Danny Welbeck - average rating 7.32
The England international has started the season with 2 goals in 4 games and is looking to have formed a quick understanding with strike partner Mario Buitrago.
Mario Buitrago - average rating 7.10
Like his colleague Welbeck, Buitrago has scored 2 goals this season (both against Hull) and also has two assists to his name. He won the Premiership young player of the month award ahead of Allione but his poor display in the Capital One Cup means he does not win the Bristol City monthly award.

Andrew Booy was largely inactive on transfer deadline day after completing most of his business earlier in the summer. The only activity was that youngster Ricardo Gomez joined League 2 side Crewe Alexandra on loan for the rest of the season.

A summary of the largest Premier Division transfers can be seen below:

On transfer deadline day the most significant business was definitely done between Man City and Chelsea as Jose Mourinho brought Diego Costa and Yaya Toure to Stamford Bridge for over 50 million pounds. Man City then used some of this money to purchase Alessandro Florenzi from Roma for 27.5 million but a 35 million pound offer for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema fell through at the last minute meaning they could not replace the departed Costa. Chelsea also decided to let 28 year old right winger Pedro leave for 23.5 million to PSG. Man Utd also splashed out 30 million on Valancia midfielder Ever Banega.

Q.P.R. vs Bristol City - 12th September 2015
3-2
Ince 8.9 rating
Buitrago 6 mins
Ince 34, 56 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy made only one change to the side as Guido Pizarro started in place of the injured Lucas Evangelista. For Q.P.R. Neil Warnock made only one change to the side that destroyed Leeds 6-0 last time out as injury stopped Jack Colback playing against his old club. The two teams lined up as follows:

The game started badly for Andrew Booy as Esteban Granero was unmarked and scored from a corner in the first 5 minutes. The goal kicked Bristol City into life and Mario Buitrago scored a rebound from a saved Danny Welbeck shot on 6 minutes. Then MOTM Tom Ince scored two perfect half volleys either side of half time, one from a Rodrigo Gomez assist and the other from an Agustin Allione corner, to put the Robins in control. Q.P.R. scored their 2nd goal through a Adel Taarabt close range finish with 15 minutes remaining but City held on to claim their 2nd win in a row.